Tires?

Looking to buy some new tires for the Seca. Can anyone recommend a brand/model? An online store link would be fantastic as well. This would be just for city driving, not much in the way of long distance or performance. I'm a new rider, if that counts for anything.

1982 XJ650R

Actually, follow-up question. I used to be a bicycle courier, so I'm used to working on bicycles. Motorcycle tires appear to fit in a similar manner. Can I change my own tires, or should I really take it somewhere? And is there any break-in method for new tires I need to be aware of?

Thanks guys!

 

For regular use, almost any name brand tire will do. On all of my past bikes, I usually just went for the most inexpensive name brand tire. Some I liked better than others. One advantage to cycle tires not lasting that long is that if you don't like it, you don't have to put up with it for long.

I averaged 12k /year on my beemer, so I was changing my back tire every 3 months. I preferred the Avons on that bike. I also ran Dunlops. (there arent' as many manufacturers for the odd sized tires for that bike.)

HTH

 

I use Bridgestone Spitfire S11's on my Seca. They are not expensive and hold up well.

Most motorcycle tires require about 100 miles of relatively easy riding to scuff up for the best traction.

 

i've used kenda tires on several bikes with no issues,and no peg dragging, about as cheap as you can get
this time i tried the bridgestone spitfire s11 which seem like a good tire, for a little more money
got them all from http://www.tiresunlimited.com/default.htm
reasonable and quick shipping
use a set of sawhorses a little soapy water and a c-clamp to break the bead
you should have no trouble
remember these are directional tires
i think getting the bead to catch to re inflate them is the hardest part

 

Got my dunlop d404 tires from here for xj750. I was happy with them when I sold the bike. Price isn't too bad either.Moto tire

 

To initially seal the bead, try using a ratchet strap around the circumference of the tire to compress it onto the bead. Just make sure to remove it once she's holding air!

 

Crew:

Here is an excellent web site which walks you through a motorcycle tire change:

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html

I used some of his ideas (esp. the 2x4 bead breaker) last year and changed and balanced both tires on my little Seca.

My tires are an odd size, so I didn't have a whole lot of choices, but I went with Bridgestone BT45s, a "dual-compound" tire. They use harder rubber in the center for longer life, and a softer compound on the sides for cornering traction. Most of my riding is interstate commuting, so I thought they might last a little longer before "squaring off".

I got them from Chaparral Motorsports at www.ChaparralMotorsports.com .

They have good prices and free shipping on orders over $100.

Have fun!
Herb

 

Can you vary at all from the factory specs for tires? Checking at the bike shop, our tire sizes are Rear: 120/90 - 18 Front: 3.25 - 19. When I bought mine, it had 130s on the back. I like the look of the 160s on a friend's SV, though I doubt we can go that far on the Seca.

What's the range in width/sidewall for our tires? Is there a recommended size other than stock, or is that the best bet?

 

On stock width rims, stock size tires are the best and safest bet.

Besides, a wider tire really doesn't look any wider on a stock rim. You need a rim of the recommended width to get that wide tire look.